What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Crown of the Raven Queen?
Believe it or not, the starting inspiration was actually the "Dancing Princesses" episode of Shelley Duvall's Fairy Tale Theater series. I also wanted to utilize a bunch of different classic literary traditions and mythology, using my background in history, which is how I wound up naming most of the ancient Queens after goddesses from different pantheons, such as Morrigan. There's a whole bunch of little references that people might also pick out, like Silas' last name or the use of the actual captain of the Flying Dutchman from the original legend.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Crown of the Raven Queen, what would they be?
Ooh. Interesting question. Honestly, I'd have to goalmost entirely with Lindsey Stirling's music by saying "Shatter Me" for Rebecca, "The Arena" for Alexis, "Heist" for Andre, and "Artemis" for the Loxelly-Ivanhoes. But for the Five Seas characters, I've gotta change gears and say Eva Under Fire, with "Good Morning Misery" for Louis and "Summer Sun" for Silas.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre is actually a specific series - JD Robb's "In Death" romance/police procedural series.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Still need to finish the Mallorean by David Eddings.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Lol. Spoiler warning, but it's Louis' sacrifice in the final third of the book. Readers will see why, because it's emotional as hell, and I think does a pretty good job of rejecting a certain highly toxic trope.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Not really, other than having the app open at all times and usually writing better later in the day.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Nobody writes in a vacuum. Everything influences what comes later, but the trick is how much you borrow and how you change it.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Love is strength, whether it's romantic, familial, or friendship.
Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.
